How to Kill Time in Sapporo's Chitose Airport

Whether your flight is cancelled, delayed or you have some time to kill before or after your flight, Sapporo's Chitose Airport (CTS) is an amazing labyrinth of souvenir stores, shops, high quality restaurants, and yes; even a theater, hot springs, museum (of sorts) and kids play-place. It's just as much a department store as it is an airport--so much so that locals from Sapporo will take the train out to the airport to shop.

The downside? When we said "labyrinth" we weren't kidding. It's easy to get turned around in CTS or assume its just another boring airport. That's why we've put together an opinionated introduction to Chitose Airport--the gateway to Japan's best skiing.

The Wi-Fi Situation

Yes, Chitose Airport does have free Wi-Fi that works 90% of the time. Unlike Starbucks and other free WiFi networks, it doesn't make you sign up for any account first. Arrive in CTS, click through the English terms of agreement, and you're done. The SSID is "NewChitose_Airport_Free_Wi-Fi"

Sake Tasting! (and Buying)

The gold medal winner by OtokoYama

Hokkaido is famous for the quality of its Sake (Nihon-Shu). It is a crime to visit Hokkaido and not come back with at least one bottle of good sake. Even if you don't enjoy Sake normally, you might be surprised at the flavors you'll experience out of a good brew. Hokkaido has extremely good Sake because the water in this pristine region is extremely pure. Pure water = excellent Sake. So where can you taste some in Sapporo's Chitose Airport?

There are two main brewers of Sake which you should choose from. Otokoyama Sake and Takasago Sake. Distinctions between the two are:

Otokoyama is internationally distributed. You can find Otokoyama Sake an bars around the world were Takasago isn't as widely known.

The most famous sub-type of Otokoyama is the Daiginjo which has won gold metals every year for the last 10 years. This sells in the US for about USD$100-280 per bottle. In Sapporo's Chitose Airport however, you can buy it for a cool $50.

Takasago sells Sake which is only sold in Hokkaido or at its brewery. It also has its own Daiginjo gold metal sake, equivalently priced at $50.

Takasago sells winter-only Sake MADE BY ONE GUY IN AN IGLOO. Yes, a guy sits in an igloo capturing water, and puts that water directly into the brewing process. It is amazing. It tastes incredible.

Location: the Sake shop is located in the Domestic Terminal 2nd Floor across from Departure Gate B. See the map below for specifics.

Excellent Sake tasting here

The Ramen Alley

Ramen Alley, Sapporo Chitose Airport

Much like Sake, it is also a crime to visit Hokkaido and not have at least one bowl of its famously delicious Ramen. Within Japan, Hokkaido has some of the most famous Ramen in the entire country--specifically in the cities of Sapporo and Asahikawa. And the Ramen in Chitose Airport isn't second rate. On the contrary, if you find the Ramen Alley, you'll probably see dozens of Japanese lined up around the corner to get in on some of the action.

Chitose's Ramen Alley consists of eight separate Ramen Restaurants that range in offerings, fame and price. Walking down the alley you'll be solicited by shop keepers attempting to sell you on their restaurant. The Ebi Soba Ramen joint right at the entrance is usually the one with the biggest line. It specializes in an unusual Shrimp based broth. At the end of the isle is Shirakaba Ramen which is also fantastic, though without the line.

They do have English menu's. Credit cards are accepted at most of them but verify before you sit down if you don't have any cash.

Location: Domestic Terminal, 3rd Floor in the direction of Starbucks. See map below for specifics.

Some of Japan's most famous Ramen, here.

The Onsen Hot Springs (and Hotel)

Perhaps the very best thing about this airport is its in-airport Onsen Hot springs. Costing ¥1,500 and including such amenities as a nap room, dining area, relaxation room and of course an indoor and outdoor hot springs bathing area, this Onsen doesn't cut any corners. Plus if you need to spend the night, you can bathe, hang out, and nap overnight for an additional ¥1,500. Not interested in sleeping in a communal napping area? No problem, you can also get a single or double room for ¥5,000 per person, including breakfast and the hot springs.

Location: Domestic Terminal 4th Floor across from the theater.

The ¥100 Store

Also of note on the 4th floor is the ¥100 store where (unsurprisingly perhaps) everything in the store is ¥100. Unlike dollar stores in the US, ¥100 stores are classy and respectable institutions which have lots of fun Japanese souvenir material. Be sure to stop by here to pick up some goods for friends who you're on the fence about buying a souvenir for, coworkers, or kids.

Movie Theater

Sapporo's Chitose Airport also boasts a full size theater which is extremely handy especially if you have flight delays. The cinema has three screens and is capable of 3D shows. The price is ¥1700 with regular screenings of the most recent movies.

Location: Domestic Terminal 4th Floor, can't miss it.

Getting Cash

Unless your planning on staying in an all inclusive resort or spending your time exclusively in Hirafu, you're going to need cash for your ski trip. Like many things in Japan, this isn't so straight forward. Non-Japanese cards can only be used at Seven Eleven or Japan Post ATM's. While the Sapporo Chitose Airport doesn't have a Seven Eleven convenience store, it does have a Seven Eleven ATM.

It's located on the 2nd floor departures area across from the JAL Check-in. It's circled in the map below.